FAMILIA LOPEZ DE HEREDIA
Although it’s not the oldest bodega in Rioja, this venerable house has become one of the most esteemed, and has remained virtually unchanged since it was founded by Don Rafael López de Heredia in 1877. Sadly, he never managed to build his planned Arabic-style castle in the Viña Tondonia vineyard, but Don Rafael would be proud of the work done by succeeding generations to help preserve and carry forward his legacy.
A beacon of tradition and classic wines, López de Heredia has adapted to the times, but has never given in to fashions (lopezdeheredia.com). Indeed, its cobweb-friendly cellars are filled with old barrels and well-rested wines. Here, patience is the most cutting-edge technology.
Siblings Julio César (in charge of vineyards) and Mercedes (winemaking) prefer to stay out of the limelight, letting their sister, María José, fulfil the role of ambassador for the family. With her boundless energy and prodigious memory, she does a great job, and is always supported by her husband (who is also the company’s commercial director), José Luis Ripa.
However, when it comes to decision making, the family pulls together, says María José. ‘From 1924, our great-grandfather ran the business with his sons Rafael and Julio César; I like to think and feel that we now do the same,’ she explains.
As the bodega builds up to its 150th anniversary, Agustín Santolaya, director of Bodegas Roda, is full of praise for his neighbour in Haro’s Railway Station District. ‘The López de Heredias have been guardians of historical authenticity through the ages, but their spirit has always been young,’ he says.
‘María José embodies the passion of the 21st century while maintaining the essence of historical Rioja. Julio César strikes an incredible balance in viticulture, and Mercedes has achieved, almost inadvertently, a sort of revolution within traditional winemaking. Collectively, they have made the
19th century look young.’ YOA
‘At López de Heredia, patience is the most cutting-edge technology’